Page 2 January 23, 2020
Entertainment
Film Review
What We’re Seeing at Sundance 2020
By Morgan Rojas for cinemacy.com
This year marks the fourth time these
Californians are packing up our parkas and
heading to the Sundance Film Festival. Every
year brings unique opportunities and different
experiences, and we’re looking forward
to reveling in it all. From directorial debuts
to special screenings and world premieres,
over half of which were directed by women,
here’s a list of films that we’ve secured
tickets to, and looking forward to seeing at
the Sundance Film Festival.
The Nowhere Inn
directed by Bill Benz
Why we’re excited: In perhaps the most
legendary duo of all time (in our opinion),
L-R: The Nowhere Inn, Downhill, Wendy, Dick Johnson is Dead. Photo Courtesy of Sundance Institute.
Annie Clark (aka St. Vincent) and Carrie
Brownstein play themselves as they shed
their onstage personas and get real in The
Nowhere Inn. Boundary blurring and enticingly
self-aware, Bill Benz’s directorial debut
is one of our most anticipated films to watch.
Wendy directed by Benh Zeitlin
Why we’re excited: Director Benh Zeitlin
(best known for his four-time Academy
Award-nominated film Beasts of the Southern
Wild) returns to the festival with Wendy,
an imaginative adaptation of J. M. Barrie’s
Peter Pan. Youthfulness and freedom seem
to be the cornerstones of Zeitlan‘s vision,
with fantastical elements further aided by
composer and longtime collaborator Dan
Romer. Wendy has already been acquired
by Fox Searchlight.
Dick Johnson is Dead directed by
Kirsten Johnson
Why we’re excited: Kirsten Johnson is
a tour de force in the documentary sphere;
her last film Cameraperson was shortlisted
for an Academy Award in 2017. In one of
her most personal films to date, she’s turning
the lens on her father in Dick Johnson is
Dead, a poignant story about her desperate
attempt to keep her aging father alive through
filmmaking. We’re bringing the Kleenex to
this one.
Downhill directed
by Nat Faxon, Jim Rash
Why we’re excited: Perhaps the film with
the biggest commercial star power is the Nat
Faxon/Jim Rash drama Downhill. Based on
the 2014 Swedish film Force Majeure by
Ruben Östlund, Downhill tells the story of
how one split-second decision in a moment
of panic reveals an unsettling insight into
the patriarch of an otherwise happy go lucky
family. Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will
Ferrell, we’re looking forward to seeing two
great comedic actors out of their comfort
zones in dramatic roles. Downhill has already
been acquired by Fox Searchlight. •
Let’s Celebrate Through
Our Actions
On January 20th, Americans will celebrate
Martin Luther King, Jr, Day—a day to commemorate
his achievements and to end racial
segregation. Dr. King also valued humanity
and improving the lives. This is why on MLK
Day of Service website, it is stated “MLK
Day is the only federal holiday designated
as a national day of service to encourage
all Americans to volunteer to improve their
communities.” This teaching of Dr. King is
similar to the Islamic teaching of service to
mankind. The Holy Quran states: “Surely,
those who believe and do good deeds, will
have Gardens of Paradise for an abode”
(18:108). Regarding equality, the founder
of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (peace and
blessings be on him) stated more than 1400
years ago that “All of you are equal. All men,
whatever nation or tribe they belong to, and
whatever station in life they may hold, are
equal…an Arab possesses no superiority over
the non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab over an
Arab.” Thus I have faith that all of us will
respect each other despite our differences. I
have faith that we will help each other and
care for each other. I believe positive words
matter in this time of conflict and hate. Let’s
celebrate Martin Luther King Day everyday
through our actions.
– Khalida Jamilah •
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YARD SALE: Saturday, January
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Sale, Concord and Mariposa, 7:00
AM - 12 Noon. Kitchen items, books,
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For Rent
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Your Neighborhood
Therapist
Dear Neighborhood Therapist: Our five-
year-old daughter has had serious health
problems since birth. Her diet is highly
restricted and she requires frequent doctor
visits. She has already had several surgeries,
and will probably require at least two more
major surgeries before her 18th birthday.
Meanwhile, she has developed into a sweet,
bright little girl who is the light of our lives.
Lately she has been having intense meltdowns
and has real trouble calming down. I lose
my patience even though I know how hard
it is for her. Therapists say she has a lot of
anxiety. We need help. Is there anything we
can do to make this easier?
- C.C., South Bay
C.C.: We spoke and you gave me some additional
details. Your situation is really tough.
Your daughter and family have also endured
several kinds of therapy and evaluations; a
battle with lawyers and the school system;
and doctors who poke, prod, stick and cut.
It is not surprising that anxiety is contributing
to major meltdowns. Stopping treatment
is not an option, so the question is reduced
to, “How do we handle this unavoidable
anxiety?” That is a tough enough concept
for adults, and far too abstract for most
small children.
What if instead of “unavoidable anxiety,”
the problem is actually a large dragon sitting
on your living room couch? What if
this dragon feeds on fear and exhaustion,
and he tries to ruin your home life by using
his silver tongue to convince you to all to
scream and act out in ways you never wanted
to? He is formidable. He is cunning. He is
stubborn. As long as there are problems, he
refuses to move.
What if, over time, you come to know this
dragon well as you observe his methods?
For example, you may have discovered that
he acts up more often near doctors’ visits,
whispering to your daughter that she should
worry about everything and listen to nobody
while flicking your ears until you snap. What
if, upon close watch, you all begin to notice
signs of the dragon’s weaknesses? Perhaps
laughter makes him freeze, or love drowns
out his roar. Is it possible to prepare for
these moments? Is it possible to learn to trick
the dragon into leaving you alone once in a
while? If these are possibilities, then could it
be that you actually do have some influence
over the dragon?
Find any story that your daughter will engage
with. If she is the protagonist, assisted by a
loyal team of family and friends, she may
decide she’s had enough of the proverbial
dragon. With your help, she may send it away.
Tom Andre is an Associate Marriage &
Family Therapist (AMFT96089) supervised by
Chris Thomas (MFT78020). The information
in this column is for educational purposes
only and nothing herein should be construed
as professional advice or the formation of
a therapeutic relationship. Please write to
tom@tomandrecounseling.com or text to
310.776.5299 with questions about handling
what is affecting your life, your family, the
community or the world. •